by Jess Marrazzo on Maggio 04, 2018

Determining your skin type on the Fitzpatrick scale

When it comes to researching permanent hair removal products, you may have noticed that many devices refer to the "Fitzpatrick skin type scale". This scale was developed to classify human skin types depending on their sensitivity to light and natural production of melanin pigment. It can be seen through your skin tone, hair and eye colour, as well as your body's reaction to sun or light exposure.

We've rounded up the key Fitzpatrick indicators to help you determine where you might fall on the scale.

SKIN TYPE I

This group often has pale white skin, blue/green eyes and blonde or red hair. If this is your skin type, you’ll notice that your skin always burns when exposed to the sun, and it never tans.

One of the most ideal devices for Skin Type I is the SmoothSkin Bare. With the use of IPL, light energy absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft converts to heat energy below the skin's surface. With continued use, this stops hairs from growing back.

SKIN TYPE II

Fair skin and blue eyes are the signature of this skin type group. If this is your skin type, you’ll notice that your skin burns very easily, and it’s very difficult to achieve a tan.

Combining salon quality technology with the convenience of at-home treatments, the iluminage TOUCH is suitable for ALL skin types and hair colours. It uses a mix of IPL and Radio Technology allows you to treat your whole body or face. With continued use, results are seen within a matter of weeks.

SKIN TYPE III

This group belongs to those who have darker white skin. You may notice that your skin does tan eventually, but only after burning when skin has been initially exposed to the sun.

Lasers are also a technique used for hair reduction and removal. The Tria 4X combines the use of a Diode laser to permanently remove hair from your body or face. Being the only FDA cleared at-home device, the 4X is suitable for those with Skin Type III and results are visible after just two treatments.

SKIN TYPE IV

Light brown skin hints at a natural presence of melanin within the skin, tanning easily and burning minimally.

Salon-standard hair removal is achievable with many companies looking to develop their devices further and as a result, all skin types are becoming increasingly treatable from home. The SmoothSkin Muse not only treats all skin types but with unlimited IPL flashes, you can treat your body, face and bikini line from home and never have to worry about replenishment.

SKIN TYPE V

As we move up the scale, the level of melanin that’s naturally present within the skin gradually increases. This group will often have brown skin that rarely burns and tans darkly very easily.

The Philips Lumea Prestigetakes the at-home technology one step further with the use of a built-in SmartSkin sensor which tells you the best IPL setting to use for your skin type. If you have Skin Type V then this device is ideal as you won't risk damaging your skin, you won't have to continue paying hefty salon prices and results are visible within just 4 treatments.

SKIN TYPE VI

If you’re part of this group, you’re likely to have dark brown or black skin. This notes a high presence of melanin within your cells. You’ll notice that your skin never burns due to this natural protection, and always tans darkly.

Rather than using lasers or IPL, the Silk'n Infinity 400,00uses a combined method of Galvanic and Optical Energies to remove hair from the treatment area. Those with Skin Type VI will know that finding permanent hair removal techniques are difficult but with this device, you're not just able to remove hair permanently, at-home treatments take just 20 minutes and results are visible within a matter of weeks.

It's important to know where you fall on the Fitzpatrick scale as many hair removal devices are only effective on certain skin types and it ensures that you're using the correct device safely on your skin, as well as making sure you're getting the most out of your treatments.

Each device has a recommendation of skin type compatibility however, for further information, please get in touch with sales@currentbody.com where our Product Experts will be more than happy to help you find the right device for you.